OrganizedWisdom Health - Mental Health and Addiction

ADHD Clinical Trials

KenyottaE — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:39:35 GMT

ADHD clinical trials are conducted to find new ways to treat the disorder, and whether it is possible to prevent it. Clinical trials are also conducted to try and find out the cause of ADHD. There are many clinical trials that are being conducted. If you are interested in participating, contact your local hospital, university, or pharmaceutical company for information on volunteering.

Fast Facts:

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by impulsive behavior, inattentiveness, and forgetfulness.
ADHD is treated with medication and behavioral therapy.
Diagnosing ADHD can be a challenge in younger children. There are a number of other conditions that have symptoms similar to those of ADHD.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/ADHD_Clinical_Trials

Effexor Side Effects

SScroggins — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 21:54:56 GMT

The most commonly reported side effects associated with the use of Effexor include nausea, dry mouth, and headache. Although medications are prescribed to provide a benefit to the patient, all medications carry the risk of negative side effects, and some can be serious. Seizures, irregular heartbeat, and insomnia should be reported to a physician right away.

Fast Facts:

Other serious side effects that should be reported immediately include: elevated blood pressure, fever, loss of appetite, and unusual bleeding.
Additional side effects that may result from Effexor use include: weight gain, blurred vision, impotence, and constipation.
Effexor is a brand name form of the generic medication venlafaxine.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Effexor_Side_Effects

Epitol Side Effects

SScroggins — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 21:52:47 GMT

When beginning inital therapy with Epitol, it is not uncommon to experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. These side effects dissipate as the body becomes accustomed to the medication. Serious side effects such as allergic reaction, unusual bleeding, or chest pain. Side effects that become increasingly bothersome, or those which disappear and then return, should also be reported to a physician.

Fast Facts:

Other side effects that should be reported right away include: photosensitivity, hair loss, and trouble urinating.
Antidepressants can sometimes increase the risk of suicide or suicidal behavior. Consult with a trained medical professional in the event that this occurs.
Epitol is a brand name of the generic medication carbamazepine.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Epitol_Side_Effects

Elavil and Pregnancy

Mindy6197 — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 21:51:20 GMT

Women who are pregnant should only use Elavil (amitriptyline) when the benefits to the mother clearly outweigh any potential risks to the fetus. In studies, Elavil has been known to increase the risk of birth defects associated with the arms and legs, developmental delays, and brain problems. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has labeled Elavil as a category C drug, meaning the effects of the medication have not been completely studied in pregnant women.

Fast Facts:

Consult with your physician before breastfeeding, as Elavil is known to be excreted into breast milk.
Amitriptyline is also sold under the brand name Vanatrip. It is a prescription medication used to treat symptoms of depression.
Elavil should not be used in anyone under the age of eighteen.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Elavil_and_Pregnancy

Depakote

Emilylapkin — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:05:47 GMT

Depakote is a brand name for divalproex sodium. It is used for the treatment of the manic episodes of bipolar disorder, and increasingly taken long-term for prevention of both manic and depressive phases of bipolar disorder, especially the rapid-cycling variant.

Fast Facts:

Divalproex sodium is a compound of sodium valproate and valproic acid.
It is also used in the US for the treatment of epilepsy, chronic pain associated with neuropathy, and migraine headaches.
Many patients have questions about their medications. OrganizedWisdom has psychiatrists addressing the most common concerns about taking these drugs.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Depakote

New Link Between Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia

AmyS — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 04:14:19 GMT

Three recent studies have found that there are as many as 30,000 gene variations that underlie both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. This means that finding a quick test to predict these diseases will be a long time coming. The study findings also reveal just how complex these disorders actually are.

Fast Facts:

DNA data from over 25,000 people was analyzed for these studies.
These two disorders have been seen as two separate conditions, these findings challenge that belief.
These findings are published in the July 2009 issue of Nature.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/New_Link_Between_Bipolar_Disorder_and_Schizophrenia

Gabapentin Dosage

SScroggins — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:11:45 GMT

The standard dosing regimen of gabapentin is 300 mg taken three times each day in adults. In the treatment of epilepsy or postherpetic neuralgia, doses may be increased up to 1,800 mg in adults each day. Children who are being treated with gabapentin will be prescribed a dosage based on weight.

Fast Facts:

Gabapentin should be taken at the same time each day in order to maintain a steady supply of the medication in the blood.
It is important that routine physician visits be performed, especially for children, as the dose of gabapentin required may need to be adjusted as the child grows.
Gabapentin is a generic form of the brand name medication Neurontin.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Gabapentin_Dosage

Depakote and Hair Loss

KenyottaE — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:06:29 GMT

Hair loss is a common side effect of using Depakote (divalproex). In studies, hair loss was more common for people who were taking Depakote for partial seizures. Approximately 24% of people who take Depakote may experience some degree of hair loss.

Fast Facts:

Depakote is used to treat mania, epilepsy, and seizures.
For people who experience hair loss while taking Depakote, the hair usually grows back after the medication is stopped.
Zinc and selenium may decrease the risk of losing hair while taking Depakote.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Depakote_and_Hair_Loss

Fluoxetine Side Effects

SScroggins — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:05:35 GMT

The most commonly reported side effects of fluoxetine use include insomnia, dry mouth, and nervousness. Although medications are prescribed in order to provide a benefit to the patient, all medications carry the risk of some sort of side effects. While many side effects are minor, serious side effects can occur. Increased heart rate, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, panic attacks, or hallucinations should be brought to the attention of a physician immediately.

Fast Facts:

Other possible side effects associated with fluoxetine use include: sore throat, fatigue, loss of appetite, and sexual dysfunction.
Allergic reaction, difficulty breathing, fever, and seizures are other serious side effects which should be reported immediately.
Fluoxetine is a generic form of the brand name medication Prozac.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Fluoxetine_Side_Effects

Fluoxetine Dosage

SScroggins — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:04:15 GMT

There is no standard dosing regimen for the drug fluoxetine, as it has many different uses and the dosage will be different for each patient. When treating depression, an initial dosage of 20 mg taken each morning may be recommended. Depression that occurs with bipolar disorder is also treated with 20 mg of fluoxetine, but also with a small dose of olanzapine at the same time. Patients being treated for bulimia may start with a fluoxetine dosage of 60 mg taken each morning. Adults suffering from panic disorder are typically recommended a 10 mg dose of fluoxetine each morning.

Fast Facts:

Women using fluoxetine for the treatment of PMDD may be instructed to take 20 mg daily, or only in the two week period before menstruation begins.
Fluoxetine should not be discontinued suddenly.
Fluoxetine is a generic form of the brand name medication Prozac.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Fluoxetine_Dosage